OHIO Up Close programs attract prospective Bobcats

Approximately 1,000 visitors expected per program

Prospective and admitted Bobcats have the opportunity to take a more in-depth look at campus during the remaining spring semester OHIO Up Close programs.

The Up Close program is specifically designed to answer questions that admitted students and their families have about the next steps on the path to enrollment, while offering opportunities to learn more about OHIO's academic programs.

While visitors already came to campus on Feb. 17, March 14, 21, and 28, Undergraduate Admissions will host the two remaining spring Up Close programs on April 11 and 25. Each program date is expected to bring 1,000 visitors made up of admitted first-year and prospective transfer students and their families to the Athens campus. Students interested in any major or program are welcome to attend.

"Some students have visited campus before, but for many this may be their first and last visit before making that important choice,” said Kevin Witham, senior associate director of Undergraduate Admissions. “Many of these students are in the process of making that final decision about where they'll be comfortable living, yet be academically challenged and engaged for their college careers."

Guests can attend a welcome session, academic information session, parent and student question-and-answer sessions, and a resource fair, where they can speak with representatives from student services offices, academic colleges, and campus organizations.

The Student Housing Ambassadors are offering an open house experience to students and their families by opening their rooms for viewing various halls, greens, and room options during the afternoon.

Visitors also will have the opportunity to take walking tours of campus, and students will be able to activate their OHIO IDs and submit housing contracts and deposits or commuter applications if they feel ready to do so. The submission of a housing contract and deposit or a commuter application is necessary for a student to officially confirm his or her intent to enroll.

"The most significant component of this program is the opportunity for admitted students and their families to interact up close with our faculty and current students," Witham said. "It is often during those conversations that students and their families make the decision to choose OHIO as their college home."

OHIO wants to make sure all visitors feel at home on the bricks, so there are additional options specific to some students’ needs.

Out-of-state students have the opportunity to attend lunch in a dining hall with the Out-of-State Ambassadors student organization consisting of current OHIO students who came to Athens from outside Ohio.

Prospective transfer students will be able to attend an information session to learn how credits transfer to OHIO and specific requirements for earning a degree. Current students who have transferred to OHIO also will be available to talk about their experiences with the process.

Visiting students from Southeastern Ohio can eat breakfast with admissions staff and current OHIO students in a dining hall during the April 25 program.